Following this week's announcement that the Jockeys' Guild's motion to stay the New Jersey Racing Commission's regulation on the use of the riding crop in Thoroughbred racing was denied by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, several jockeys have announced their plans to avoid racing at Monmouth Park this summer.
Jockeys' Guild sought the stay of enforcement pending a decision on its appeal, which has not yet been decided. Beginning in 2021, jockeys at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, NJ will not be allowed to use the whip “except for reasons of safety.”
“Under these conditions, no, I don't think I can ride at Monmouth Park,” Joe Bravo, 13-time leading rider at Monmouth, told the Thoroughbred Daily News. “They didn't even speak to any of the New Jersey jockeys and ask what are your thoughts?” Bravo said. “In today's era, yes, there should be riding crop restrictions. I understand that. They have them at Delaware, at Tampa and in California. We have no problem with that. But to take the whip away completely away…That's crazy. Show me another county in the world with major racing that has these conditions.”
Other jockeys added their opinions on Twitter.
I have to say something important:
I left Presque Island a few years ago and went to Monmouth, I did very well. It's my second home after Tampa and it's so sad to change my plans just because they put a stupid rule into practice so I can't go back 🙏🏻— Antonio Gallardo (@jockeygallardo) April 21, 2021
I was so excited to go back to Monmouth but with that rule they put I can't SO!!! I have to change my plans!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Daniel Centeno (@Jockeydc) April 20, 2021
NJRC really trying to kill Horse Racing. Jockeys can't fight and do this alone. Everyone that has a vested interest in racing in NJ should step up to the plate and voice their concern to get this overturned.
— Chris DeCarlo (@Equinepilot1) April 20, 2021
The Monmouth Park meet is scheduled to begin on May 28, 2021.
Read more at the Thoroughbred Daily News.
The post ‘Crazy,’ ‘Stupid Rule’ On Whip Use Has Jockeys Veering Away From Monmouth Park appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
